Ireland

Perched on a gale-swept sandstone cliff high above the roaring waves, I stare into the oceanic abyss, trying to comprehend the audacity of courage it took for a small group of men to venture into these uncharted waters off the storm-ravaged southwest coast of Ireland nearly 1,500 years ago.

Travel Advisories

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 18, 2018 10:26 EST1. RECENT UPDATESEditorial change.2. ADVISORIESIreland - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in Ireland.3. SECURITYCrimeIreland has a low incidence of serious crime. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching and passport theft) occurs, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. Violent crime, although rare, occurs in larger cities. Avoid secluded parks and unlit areas.Car theft and break-ins are on the rise, especially in tourist areas in Dublin and surrounding areas. Rental vehicles are a target of choice. Ensure that valuables in vehicles are kept out of sight at all times. Use secure parking facilities where available, particularly overnight.The Irish Tourist Assistance Service offers support and assistance to tourists who become victims of crime while in Ireland. The service can arrange accommodation, transportation and meals and they liaise with many companies, such as travel insurance and financial institutions. They can also assist with contacting the local police and embassies. The service can be reached by email or by phone at 1890 365 700.FraudCredit card fraud and automated banking machine (ABM) scams are becoming more common. Fraudulent electronic readout devices are sometimes used at ABMs in Ireland. To avoid being a victim of this fraud, use ABMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid card readers with an irregular aspect, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN and check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.See our Overseas fraud page for more information on scams abroad.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.DemonstrationsDemonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.Road safetyTraffic drives on the left. Use caution when entering a traffic circle (roundabout). Road conditions are generally good. However, some roads can be narrow and winding, particularly in rural areas. Reduce speed on narrow, uneven country roads. These may become hazardous during severe weather conditions. Consult Ireland's AA Roadwatch for travel advice and route planning.Public TransportationTaxis are widely available. In Dublin, gridlock can prove expensive: expect long delays during rush hours. Taxi rates can vary based on the time of day and location.Intercity bus and train services are occasionally affected by overcrowding and traffic congestion or disrupted by strike action.Ferry services are available between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Ferries can be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesGeneral safety informationExercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Irish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.Learn more about entry/exit requirements for the United Kingdom. Consult the Travel Advice and Advisories for the United Kingdom for specific entry/exit requirements for Northern Ireland.PassportIreland is a member of the European Union but it is not part of the Schengen area. A passport is required to travel between Ireland and other European countries, including Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom.Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Ireland.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysBusiness visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysStudent visa: Not requiredWork permit: Required (except for the Student Work Abroad Program)If you wish to work or study in Ireland, please contact the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa to obtain up-to-date information on the requirements related to work permits or stays for study purposes. Students can apply for a working holiday visa through the Student Work Abroad Program.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesThe standard of health care in Ireland is high, and excellent medical care is widely available. Payment is required before treatment.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and Ireland are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Ireland to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Irish authorities.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Ireland.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Ireland, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipIllegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.DrivingAn International Driving Permit is recommended.Traffic drives on the left. Turning at a red light is prohibited.The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.Motorways in Ireland are subject to tolls. For more information, please visit the AA Ireland website.Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent or 0.02 percent for new drivers. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.MoneyThe currency of Ireland is the euro (EUR).Credit cards and traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted. Automated banking machines are available in urban centres.When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission's cash controls.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHeavy rains are frequent, sometimes resulting in flooding.

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